The United Arab Emirates is one of the first countries to receive the shipment of Sotrovimab, which is a highly successful anti-viral medicine used to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

The use of this drug comes in line with the UAE’s efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Acting Executive Director of External Therapeutic Services, asserted that the health sector is continuing its efforts to achieve herd immunity against coronavirus (COVID-19) by providing vaccines to eligible people, noting that 79.3% of the population have received their first dose while 70.96% have received both doses.

UAE has been using Sotrovimab because studies have proven that it prevents covid-19 complexities leading to death by 97% and ICU admissions by 99.5%, with full recovery being achieved within 14 days after taking the drug at a rate of 99%. Hospitalisations are being reduced by 20%, she explained, affirming that 13,000 people in the UAE have received the drug, which is available across the country and can be used to treat adults and children over the age of 12.

“The UAE was among the first countries of the world to receive a shipment of Sotrovimab, one of the most successful anti-viral medicine in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases among high-risk patients including adults, pregnant women and children aged 12 and above who are at risk of progressing to severe symptoms and meet other relevant criteria.” Explained Dr Ghaithi during the UAE Government media briefing on the coronavirus pandemic.

WAM